Collapsible closet having a support element

ABSTRACT

A closet device or wardrobe whereby cross-supports to the bars for hanging clothing lead to increased stability and load capacity. A cross-support is simply connected to the top of the frame and can be a wire with bends at its two ends and two body sections that lead to a middle section wherein an obtuse angle is made as the two halves of the cross-support come together. The bends hook or hang on opposite sides of the upper frame of the wardrobe . The hang bar can rest on the angled middle section of the cross support, which provides additional support to the hang bar from the usual connections of the hang bar to the frame at the hang bar&#39;s two ends. This additional support to the hang bar results in increased stability, durability and load capacity for the wardrobe or closet device. The cross support can be in the form of a wire, a tube a rod, a beam, or any other structural type supporting element. The cross support and also the frame can be made from any suitable material such as metal, plastic, or any known resilient material.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non provisional application and hereby claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119e from provisional application 60/863,416 filed on Oct. 30, 2006, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a closet device or wardrobe whereby cross-supports to the bars for hanging clothing lead to increased stability and load capacity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a closet device or wardrobe whereby cross-supports to the bars for hanging clothing lead to increased stability and load capacity. A cross-support is simply connected to the top of the frame and can be a wire with bends at its two ends and two body sections that lead to a middle section where an obtuse angle is made as the two halves of the cross-support come together. The bends hook or hang on opposite sides of the upper frame of the wardrobe. The hang bar can rest on the angled middle section of the cross support, which provides additional support to the hang bar from the usual connections of the hang bar to the frame at the hang bar's two ends. This additional support to the hang bar results in increased stability, durability, and load capacity for the wardrobe or closet device. The cross support can be in the form of a wire, a tube, a rod, a beam, or any other structural type supporting element. The cross support and also the frame can be made from any suitable material such as metal, plastic, or any other known resilient material.

In two embodiments the cross support is made of a wire metal and is called a crosswire, a cross beam or cross bar. While in the description of the drawings the term crosswire or cross bar will be used, any term for a cross supporting member can also be correctly used in describing this device. One embodiment shows a wardrobe with one main section and one crosswire or cross bar. Another embodiment shows a wardrobe or closet device with two main sections and two crosswire or cross bars.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the drawings are designed for the purpose of illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.

In the drawings wherein similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the assembly of the bottom frame of the closet device;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bottom frame of the closet device with a fabric cover stretched around the bottom frame;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the center portion of the frame being assembled and attached to the bottom support tubes of the closet device;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the assembly of the top of the frame of the closet device;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the assembled top portion being attached to the combined center and bottom of the frame of the closet device, with a fabric cover around the bottom frame;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the assembled top, center and bottom of the closet device with the fabric cover stretched over the top and bottom of the frame but with the fabric cover not being zipped shut so inside portions of the frame are still viewable;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the assembled closet device with the fabric cover completely stretched over the device and zipped shut;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the assembly of the bottom frame of another embodiment of the closet device;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the bottom frame of this second embodiment of the closet device with a fabric cover stretched around the bottom frame;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the center portion of the frame being assembled and attached to the bottom support tubes of this second embodiment of the closet device;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the assembly of the top of the frame of this second embodiment of the closet device;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the assembled top portion of the frame being attached to the combined center and bottom portions of the frame of this second embodiment of the closet device, with a fabric cover around the bottom frame;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the assembled top, center and bottom of this second embodiment of the closet device with the fabric cover stretched over the top and bottom of the frame but with the fabric cover not zipped shut so inside portions of the frame are still viewable;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of this assembled second embodiment of the closet device with the fabric cover completely stretched over the device and zipped shut; and

FIG. 15 is a front view of the cross-wire of the closet devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the closet device 10 which is able to support a heavier load by hangers hanging onto a tube supported by an angled crosswire or cross bar 16. FIGS. 1-7 show a step-by-step assembly of the closet device. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a base frame formed by bracket 2 connecting to beams 6. Straight tubes or columns 4 can be inserted into slots 201 in the top side of bracket or corner supports 2 so that these columns 4 are directly across from and not diagonal to each other, and are vertically-oriented. Two reduced tubes forming columns 14 are inserted into the other two slots 201 on the other end of the corner supports 2 resulting in each reduced tube 14 being straight across from the reduced tube 14 connected to the opposite corner support 2 with reduced tubes 14 being vertically oriented. The end of the reduced tube 14 not connected to the bottom corner support is a male end 15. Beams 6 which can be longer than the first set of straight tubes 4 has both ends inserted into slots 202 on the inside face of the corner supports 2 and are horizontally oriented.

FIG. 2 shows the assembled bottom portion of the closet device with a fabric cover 20 stretched around both straight tubes 4 and reduced tubes 14. FIG. 3 shows two side connectors 18 being connected from the bottom 180 of its three openings to the top ends of straight tubes 4. Two openings 180 and 181 on each side connector 18 are meant to be used with tubes in a vertical orientation. Each of the three openings 180, 181, and 182 in each side connector 18 fits tubes of equal diameter. Each end of a long straight tube 10 is inserted into a side connector 18 in the opening 182 meant to fit horizontally-oriented tubes.

FIG. 4 shows the assembly of the top of the frame. Two straight tubes forming columns 4 are inserted into two bottom openings 201 in two additional corner supports 2 so that they are directly across from each other and not diagonal to each other and are vertically oriented. Two straight tubes 12, marginally longer than straight tubes 4, are inserted in a vertical orientation into the two remaining bottom openings 201 at the other ends of the corner supports. The unreduced ends 120 of the straight tubes 12 allow them to act as female ends which will eventually connect with the male ends 15 of reduced tubes 14. Two long straight tubes 6, in addition to the two tubes 6 at the bottom of the frame, are inserted into the four outside slots 202 on the inside face of these upper corner supports 2, resulting in these tubes 6 being horizontally oriented and parallel to each other. A straight hang bar 8 of the same length as straight tubes 6 is inserted into center slots 203 on the inside face of upper corner supports 2. The straight hang bar 8 lies with the same horizontal orientation as straight tubes 6 forming top cross beams. After assembly of the top of the frame straight tubes 6 and straight bar 8 have no unattached ends.

FIG. 5 shows the top of the frame being inserted into the combined center and bottom of the frame. The unattached ends of straight tubes 4 insert into the remaining openings 181 of side connectors 18. Unattached ends 120 of straight tubes 12 connect with male ends 15 of reduced tubes 14. A floor support 22 fits snugly in between opposing bottom corner supports 2. An angled crosswire or cross bar 16 (See FIG. 15 for greater detail) hooks onto upper straight tubes 6 and supports straight hang bar 8. Bends 54 at the end of the angled crosswire or cross bar 16 enable it to hook onto tubes 6. The cross bar 16 runs from each end to a middle section 58 at which both halves of the cross bar are connected at an obtuse angle. The angled middle section 58 cradles the straight hang bar 8. FIG. 6 shows the closet device 10 with top, center, and bottom of the frame connected together and the fabric cover 20 stretched over the outside and top of the frame but not completely closed. FIG. 7 shows the finished product of the closet device 10 with cover 20 completely stretched out and zipped up. In this case the cover 20 has a closure or fastener such which can be in the form of any known fastener such as hook and loop fastener, zipper, snaps, ties, and laces.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of another embodiment 100 of the closet device which also is able to support a heavier load by hangers hanging onto a bar supported by an angled cross bar 16. Embodiment 100 is larger than closet device 10 and is bi sectioned whereas device 10 had only one main section. FIGS. 8-14 show a step-by-step assembly of this bi-sectioned variation 100.

For example, FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of three straight tubes forming columns 32 being inserted into slots 201 in the top openings of two bottom corner supports or brackets 2 and the top opening 260 of bottom center support or bracket 26 resulting in a vertical orientation for tubes or columns 32. These three tubes or columns 32 are inserted into the openings 201 and 260 on the same ends of support brackets 2 and 26 so a line can be formed between the three tubes or columns 32. Three columns which can be formed by reduced tubes 38 are inserted into the slots 201 and 260 on the other end of the top face of brackets formed from the corner supports 2 and center supports 26 resulting a vertical orientation for the three columns or reduced tubes 38. The male end 39 of each column which can be in the form of a reduced tube 38 is left unattached. Each reduced tube 38 stands opposite a straight tube 32 on its own support and in line with the other two reduced tubes 38 on the other corner supports 2 or center support 26.

Assembly of the bottom of the frame results in six vertically-oriented tubes 32 and 38 each with one unconnected end.

Two straight tubes 36 which are longer than the straight tubes 32 but shorter than reduced tubes 38 are inserted at one end into a slot 202 on the inside face of a corner support 2 and at the other end into the side of center support 26 in a slot 261 meant for horizontally-oriented tubes. Similarly, two reduced tubes 40 of the same length as tubes 36 insert at one end into slots 202 on the inside face of a corner support 2 and with its male end 400 into slots 262 on the center support 26 meant for horizontally-oriented tubes and sized to hold male ends.

FIG. 9 shows the assembled bottom portion of the closet device with a fabric cover 50 stretched around all three sets of vertically-oriented tubes and around both sections of the bottom frame. FIG. 10 shows two side connectors 18 being connected from the bottom 180 of its three openings to the top ends of the two outside tubes of the three tubes 32. Side connector 18 here is the same size and has openings of the same size as side connectors 18 in the previous embodiment of the closet device. The unconnected end of the middle of the three tubes 32 fits into the center connector 46 in the bottom of its two openings meant to hold tubes in a vertical orientation. Two straight tubes 34 each fit at one end into a side connector 18 at an opening 182 meant for horizontally-oriented tubes and fit at the other end into the center connector 46 at the center connector's one of two openings 462 meant to hold horizontally-oriented tubes. The bottom 460 of the center connector's two openings for vertically-oriented bars connects to the top of the straight tube 32 attached to the center support 26.

FIG. 11 shows the assembly of the top of the frame. Six straight tubes 28 of the same length as previous reduced tubes 38 are inserted into the bottom openings 201 of two upper corner supports 2 and bottom openings 260 of uppercenter support 26. Two long straight tubes 36, in addition to the two tubes 36 at the bottom of the frame, are inserted at one end into the two outside slots 202 on the inside face of one of the upper corner supports 2, and at the other end into the two outside slots 261 on the uppercenter support 26. Each tube 36 is horizontally oriented and parallel to the other tube 36. Similarly, two reduced tubes 40, in addition to the two 40 at the bottom of the frame, insert at one end into slots 202 on the inside face of the opposite corner support 2 and with its male end 401 into slots 262 on the center support 26 meant for horizontally-oriented tubes and sized to hold male ends. A straight hang bar 30 of the same length as straight tubes 36 is inserted at one end into a center slot 203 on the inside face of an upper corner support 2 and at the other end into the uppercenter support 263 in a middle slot meant for horizontally-oriented bars. The straight hang bar 30 lies with the same horizontal orientation as straight tubes 36. A reduced hang bar 42 of the same length as straight hang bar 30 is inserted at its unreduced end into a center slot 203 on the inside face of an upper corner support 2 and at its male end 41 into the uppercenter support 26 in a middle slot 264 meant for horizontally-oriented bars sized to hold male ends. After assembly of the top of the frame straight tubes 36, reduced tubes 40, straight hang bar 30, and reduced hang bar 42 have no unattached ends.

FIG. 12 shows the top of the frame being inserted into the combined center and bottom of the frame. Three unattached ends of straight tubes 28 insert into the remaining top openings 181 of the two side connectors 18 and remaining opening 461 of center connector 46. The other three unattached ends of straight tubes 28 connect with male ends 39 of reduced tubes 38. A floor support 52 fits snugly in between opposing bottom bracket in the form of corner supports 2 and on the bottom center support 26. An angled cross bar 16 hooks at one end on one upper straight tube 36 and at the other end to the other upper straight tube 36 and supports straight hang bar 30. See FIG. 15 for greater detail. Straight hang bar 30 rests on cross bar16. A second angled cross bar 16 hooks at one end on one upper reduced tube 40 and at the other end to the other upper reduced tube 40 and supports reduced hang bar 42. Reduced hang bar 42 rests on cross bar 16. FIG. 13 shows the closet device 100 with top, center, and bottom of the frame connected and the fabric cover 50 stretched over the outside and top of the frame but not completely closed. FIG. 14 shows the finished product of the closet device 100 with cover 50 completely stretched out and zipped up.

FIG. 15 shows the cross bar 16, of the closet device. Bends 54 at the ends of the wire and end sections 53 allow the cross bar to conveniently and simply attach or hook onto weight-bearing members of the frame such as straight tubes 6, 36 or reduced tubes 40. The body sections 56 of the cross bar run from the bends 54 to a middle section 58. The middle section 58 forms an obtuse angle on which a hang bar such as straight hang bar 8 or 30 or reduced hang bar 42 can be cradled.

Without the cross bar 16, the weight of items hanging in the closet are carried by the straight 30 or 8 or reduced 42 hang bar and only transferred to the rest of the frame structure through the hang bar's two connections 203 and 263 and 264 to the corner supports or bracket 2 and center support or bracket 26. The cross bar 16 enables the weight on the hang bar 8, 30, or 42 to be more efficiently distributed to the rest of the frame of the closet device as it provides further means of transferring some of the load. This dramatically stabilizes the closet device, greatly increases its overall weight bearing capacity and increases the durability of the closet device. Setup of the cross bar 16, is convenient and simple because it connects to the frame through the bends 54 in the wire and end sections 53 and the cross bar 16, cradles the hang bar 8, 30, 42.

Accordingly, while only a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is obvious that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Reference Numeral List:

-   2 corner support, bracket -   4 straight tube or beam, column -   6 straight tube or beam longer than -   8 straight hang bar, middle beam -   10 device, first embodiment -   12 straight column or tube marginally longer than 4 -   14 reduced column or tube -   15 male end of reduced tube or column 14 -   16 angled crosswire or cross beam -   18 side connector or bracket -   20 fabric cover -   22 floor support -   24 corner support or bracket—similar as 2 -   26 center support or bracket -   28 straight tube or column -   30 straight hang bar, center or middle beam -   32 vertically oriented straight tube, or column -   34 horizontal straight tube that connects with side connectors, or     beam, such as top beam -   36 straight tube longer than 32 and shorter than 38, beam -   38 column in the form of a reduced tube -   39 male end of reduced tube 38 -   40 beam in the form of a reduced tube same length as 36 -   41 male end of reduced hang bar, or middle beam -   42 reduced hang bar, center or middle beam -   46 center connector or bracket -   50 fabric cover -   52 floor support -   53 end section of cross bar -   54 end bend of cross bar -   56 body section of cross bar or crosswire -   58 middle or center curve of cross bar or cross wire -   100 alternative embodiment of closet -   120 unreduced end of straight tube or column -   180 bottom vertical opening of side connector or bracket -   181 top vertical opening of side connector or bracket -   182 horizontal opening of side connector or bracket -   201 vertical corner support slot in a bracket -   202 horizontal corner support slot in bracket -   203 center horizontal corner support slot in bracket positioned     lower than hole 202 -   204 center horizontal corner support slot in bracket positioned     above hole 203 -   260 vertical opening of center support -   261 normal-sized side slot of center support -   262 male end-sized side slot of center support -   263 normal-sized side slot of center support -   264 male end-sized side slot of center support -   400 male end of reduced tube 40 -   401 male end of reduced tube 40 -   461 top vertical opening of center connector -   462 horizontal opening of center connector 

1. A portable collapsible closet comprising: a) a base frame; b) a plurality of columns which are attachable to said base frame; c) at least two top beams extending opposite said base frame, wherein said at least two top beams are attachable to said plurality of columns; d) at least one cross bar which extends between said at least two top beams (6) wherein said cross bar is for providing support for at least one of said at least two top beams.
 2. The portable collapsible closet wherein when said closet is in an assembled condition, said columns are coupled to said base frame, said at least two top beams are coupled to said columns and wherein said at least one cross bar is in contact with said at least two top beams.
 3. The portable collapsible closet as in claim 1, further comprising at least one cover.
 4. The portable collapsible closet as in claim 1, further comprising at least one bracket for receiving said plurality of columns and said at least two top beams wherein each bracket has connection holes which are orientated substantially perpendicular to each other.
 5. The portable collapsible closet as in claim 1, wherein said at least one cross bar is orientated in a bent manner.
 6. The portable collapsible closet as in claim 1, wherein said at least one cross bar has end sections allowing the crossbar to attach or hook onto said at least two top beams.
 7. The portable collapsible closet as in claim 4, wherein said bracket forms a corner support, wherein said corner support has a plurality of holes for receiving said at least two top beams.
 8. The portable collapsible closet as in claim 1, further comprising at least one floor support.
 9. The portable collapsible closet as in claim 1, further comprising at least one middle connector wherein said at least one middle connector is for coupling said columns together.
 10. The portable collapsible closet as in claim 1, wherein said at least one cross bar is bent in a substantially v-shape.
 11. The portable collapsible closet as in claim 10, wherein said at least one cross bar has end sections allowing said cross bar to attach or hook onto said top beams.
 12. The portable collapsible closet as in claim 11, further comprising at least three upper beams, including two outer upper beams, and one inner beam wherein said at least one cross beam has at least three bends with two bends each forming an end section and a third middle bend wherein said cross bar is coupled to said at least three upper beams such that said end sections extend over said two outer upper beams and wherein said third middle bend extends under said upper inner beam.
 13. The portable collapsible closet as in claim 12, further comprising end brackets, wherein said end brackets include at least three holes wherein at least one of said at least three holes is positioned below at least two of said at least three holes .
 14. A portable collapsible closet comprising: a) a base frame; b) a plurality of columns which are attachable to said base frame; c) at least three top beams extending opposite said base frame, wherein said at least three top beams are attachable to said columns, wherein at least two of said at least three top beams comprise end beams and wherein at least one of said at least three beams comprises an inner beam; d) A plurality of end brackets which couple said plurality of columns to said at least three top beams wherein said end brackets include at least three holes including a center hole, and two end holes wherein said center hole is positioned below at least two of said at least three holes; e) at least one cross bar which extends between said at least two top beams, wherein said cross bar is for providing spacing support for said at least two top beams, said cross bar being substantially v-shaped and having end pieces, wherein said at least one cross bar has at least three bends, with two end bends each forming an end section and a third middle bend, wherein said cross bar is coupled to said at least three top beams such that said end sections extend over said two top beams and wherein said third middle bend extends under said top inner beam providing vertical support for said top inner beam, and transferring weight to said end beams from said middle beam; and f) a cover for covering the closet, said cover having a fastener.
 15. The closet as in claim 14, wherein said fastener is selected from the group consisting of: hook and loop fastener, zipper, snaps, ties, and laces. 